Training device for improving reaction capabilities, reflexes, speed and further associated, sports-related, physical and cognitive skills of a user in training

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a training device for improving reaction capabilities, reflexes, speed and further associated, sports-related, physical and cognitive skills of a user in training, comprising at least one reaction target to be struck arranged on at least one elastic holding line, said holding line being held under tension between at least one fastening point, located above the training area of the user in training, and a floor fastening, wherein at least two holding lines, arranged at a distance from one another and having reaction targets arranged thereon, are interconnected by the coupling of impulses, for example, via at least one common support element.

The present invention refers to a chaotic training device for exercising and for the development of skills and capacities such as response capacity, reflexes, swiftness, punch combinations, precision in eye-hand and eye-foot coordination, peripheral vision (use of the peripheral visual field), extension of the visual sensitivity, sense of balance, coordination capacity, fine motor skills, accuracy, condition, strength, maneuvering, concentration capacity, vigilance, spontaneity, exercising of complex motion sequences, which, after application of force, produces constantly changing, irregular, rapid, unpredictable and chaotic movements that persist for a time and to which the user can react in different manners.

The training of the response capacity, reflexes, coordination, swiftness, peripheral visual field is of great importance for numerous sports as well as for the everyday life, e.g. in the road traffic. For this purpose, a training device is necessary that produces rapid movements of elements to be hit, in a manner in which the response of the user is unpredictable. The movement to which the user has to respond must therefore be chaotic, irregular and constantly changing by itself. Apart from the present invention, there is no other training device that meets these requirements, i.e. that is capable of producing continuous irregular and chaotic movements of response targets.

After application of external force, the present invention generates movements of response targets (e.g. balls) that cannot be predicted by the user and by which the user can complete complex training, without a training partner, for the development of the capabilities mentioned above and hereunder.

In order to achieve an unpredictable, rapid and chaotic movement of training elements (or in other words of response targets), in the present invention response targets at hitting or response height are attached to thin, elastic or shock cords and at least one other object (counterweight) for the creation of an opposite force or of an countermovement, e.g. another ball, is attached to the same shock cord below or above (or both below and above) the response target. On the floor, the elastic cord of this individual element is attached, for instance, to a weight. The position of the floor weight can be adjusted individually, in accordance with the training requirements. Similarly, the length, and consequently the tension of the cords can be adjusted, for instance, by means of coils around a footbridge situated on the weight. At the upper end, the individual cord is attached to a carrier element, e.g. in the form of a triangle, to which several such individual elements are attached, elements that trigger a countermotion that deflects the movement of the response targets in addition to the counterweight. The carrier element can, for instance, be suspended from the ceiling by means of a suspension element and is capable to move freely in all the directions. All the individual elements, as well as the carrier element, are connected to one another and are under tension. After application of force to a response target, the carrier element rotates occasionally around its own axis up to a certain degree, and upon abrupt and rapid turning back, it generates additional movement and energy in the system. The individual elements can be removed from the complete unit and serve for separate training, or more elements can be added, according to the training requirements.

Every application of force on a response target has an immediate effect on all the other response targets as well as on the carrier element, i.e. on the entire system, which is put in motion. Even small forces are sufficient for this purpose. The user hits or strikes in another manner the response target, whereby the counterweight (or counterweights) on the same cord is (are) also put in motion. This countermotion of the ball or weight situated below or above the response target affects the motion of the response target and deflects it permanently. Without a countermotion (or countermotions), caused either by one or more counterweights on the individual cords or by the other individual elements situated on the carrier element, which generate one countermotion each, an individual response target attached to an elastic cord would merely swing forwards and backwards, i.e. it would carry out a predictable and calculable movement. Response targets, counterweights, individual elements thus influence one another mutually in such a manner that their motion is irregular and unpredictable, going chaotically in different directions. The motion is not linear and alternates constantly and spontaneously between swinging, rotating, loop movements, jumping, zigzagging in all the directions in space. Every additional hit or strike of the ball triggers an entirely different series of movements. Thus, the chaotic movement is achieved by the presence of at least one countermotion to the response target and by the related mutual effect. The deflecting elements causing countermotions are, on the one hand, the counterweight or counterweights on the individual cords, as well as the other individual elements with their own irregular motion, by which the irregular motion of each response targets of the system is mutually enhanced or gains additional aspects. The relevant individual objects of the invention are consequently connected to one another in a momentum-linked manner.

With each strike against one of the response targets or by each movement of the system, all the counterweights and reaction targets of the other individual elements are put into irregular motion, as all the individual elements are constructively connected with and sensitive to one another and each application of force affects the entire system. Thus, all the irregular motions affect one another as well as the entire system. The entire system thereby moves in a chaotic, irregular manner. This triggers a dynamic and constant process of totally unaccustomed, unrepeatable situations. The user, by skillful reaction and by different strikes and avoidance maneuvers, must attempt to hit or to avoid the different response targets, either standing in front of the construction or, by change of the floor weights, within the construction, so as to complete 360-degree training. They also can train around the construction. The scope of application extends to several sports, in which the development of the aforementioned skills is important, but it can also be used as an everyday or leisure training device, as it presents no risk of injury, since, unlike other devices, there is hardly any resistance during training. The invention can be used for visual training for medical purposes, e.g. in order to regulate dysfunctions of the eyes or to improve eye performance.

Athletes from different fields, but also people in everyday situations require the aforementioned skills in order to achieve better competition results or to cope with dangerous situations. For the training of such skills, a training device is necessary that generates the motion of several response-requiring elements requiring, in a manner so complex that it does not permit the user to predict the motion. Therefore, the elements must present differentiated, abrupt, unpredictable and chaotic movements in all the directions in the space, to which response within fractions of seconds is necessary, e.g. in the form of strokes, kicks or avoidance maneuvers. The movement of these elements must include alternating movements such as hopping, loop, circle, zigzag movement, etc. After the user has set these elements in motion by application of force, for instance in the form of a stroke, this chaotic, irregular behavior of the training elements must be maintained for a certain period of time even without constant application of external force. The generation of the chaotic behavior of the training elements must reside in the system, i.e. in the training device itself, after application of force from the outside, and must not be determinable by the user. In this manner, the user cannot identify in advance the movement to which they will be required to react and the place in which the object will be situated in the next moment. They cannot overview the complexity of the movements generated by the training device or predict the movements. Therefore, they are unprepared and must respond every time, with highest concentration, spontaneously and as rapidly as possible, to a different situation. The present invention meets all the aforementioned requirements, thus presenting a determining advantage over previous training devices.

Unlike the present invention, previous training devices are unable to generate, irregularly and chaotically, motion of the elements to which response is required. By comparison, the motion of previous training devices is calculable, linear and predictable. Therefore, the previous training devices do not represent an immanent system that is capable, after application of external force, to generate independently and lastingly, chaotic motion of training elements, i.e. response targets. Therefore, none of the previous training devices can serve for the effective development of the aforementioned skills. For this reason, they lend themselves to the development of speed and force, but in a static manner rather than in one that can reflect the complexity of a real situation. If, for instance, a boxer hits a speedball or a double end ball, the ball reacts in an identical manner as it was hit, i.e. it carries out an identical movement forwards and backwards or from one side to the other. Thus, in the previous training devices, the user determines the motion of the training elements and must maintain it permanently by application of force. Moreover, the exercise of various kinds of hits or combination of hits is not possible in the previous training devices, but, on is limited to specific hits, whereas the present invention permits the continuous carrying out of various hits at any time in the course of the training, namely such hits and movements that are not possible in the conventional training on devices and that would be required, for instance, in a real situation in boxing. Also, in conventional devices, unlike in the present invention, the training of fine motor skills and the complexity of the movement sequences is impossible. With the speedball, for example, the speed of the force of the arms can be trained, but the motion sequence is automatic rather than an actual response to an object whose behavior in the next moment is unknown. The user is not required to exercise his/her creativity with regard to the stroke combinations and, because of the movement and of the bulkiness of the object to be hit, he/she can carry out specific movements only. Moreover, with previous training devices, the users are constantly limited to a single striking or response target, whose motion stops after a short time, for which reason fluid, dynamic training is not possible and they use either their peripheral field of vision, nor can they train their response and reflex skills with several unpredictable objects or situations. All these disadvantages finally affect the motivation of the users, who, with the conventional training devices, unlike with the present invention, do not have the opportunity to step up or to vary their training.

Accordingly, in view of the motion of their training elements all the conventional training devices are deterministic, linear, open systems, which have to be constantly moved from the outside and in which the cause, i.e. the application of force, corresponds deterministically to the effect, i.e. the motion of the training elements, so that there is no irregular motion.

The present invention is destined to remove the above described technological deficiency and thus to close a serious gap in the state of the art of training devices for different sports involving the development of the aforementioned skills, as well everyday and medical use.

Apart from the aforementioned disadvantages, the problem related to the state of the art is that the previous training devices are unable to generate complex, unpredictable, chaotic movements to which the users must give a complex response for the development of said skills. Moreover, conventional training devices do not offer the possibility to carry out all the strokes and to create a complex, reality-oriented situation, to which the users can respond.

The present invention is based on the problem to make possible, for the training of the aforementioned skills, an unpredictable, irregular, chaotic, rapid, lasting movement of the training elements, i.e. response targets, in other words to create a complex situation from the point of view of the movements of the components and from the related requirements from the users, so that the skills mentioned above and hereunder can be developed optimally. This problem is solved by the features of the present invention, as mentioned previously and as discussed in detail hereunder.

By the present invention, an effective, authentic, “tridimensional” training of the aforementioned characteristics, oriented to the reality of an opponent (e.g. for boxers and for martial artists), is made possible for the first time without a training partner, thanks to the complexity and to the unpredictability and the chaotic, lasting behavior of the target or response objects, on the one hand and on the other hand, by the presence of several individual elements, which occupy the space in a manner similar to an opponent. In the present invention, the users hit or kick (or apply force in another manner) on response target (e.g. balls), thus triggering a complex, chaotic and wholly unpredictable motion of several training elements, to which they must respond in the form of strokes, avoidance maneuvers, etc. The individual elements connected with one another over at least one carrier element or, for instance, connecting cables. They form a whole, and nevertheless every response target (as well as every counterweight) of an individual element reacts, at the same moment, differently from all the others. In case of configuration of the present invention with, for example, three individual elements, this means that after hitting against one ball, all the other balls of the construction are set immediately in irregular motion. Just like a human opponent does not make a uniform movement, but rather that arms, legs and head make, at the same time, different movements to which response is required, in the present invention the entire system is in motion, but unlike in the other training devices, each of its parts moves in another manner. If the elements of the configuration with three individual elements are in motion and if the user would like to hit the rear reaction target, they must concentrate simultaneously on several objects, in order to hit on the one hand and to avoid being hit by the response targets of the other elements on the other hand. This simultaneous focusing of the concentration on several objects that, in addition, do not move linearly and that enter into the space from the point of view of their position, offers maximum training of the aforementioned skills, in which several capabilities are required and used at the same time. Thanks to the features of the invention, the individual response targets and counterweights, which can also be used as reaction targets, for example by being hit with the foot, react in an entirely different way and the movement lasts for a longer time, even without constant application of force by the user. Thus, fluid and dynamic training is enabled, in which the ever new, unpredictable and differentiated movement of the balls require permanently spontaneous reactions or movements and maximum concentration on part of the user. By change of position of the floor weights, for example, as well as by the possibility of adding further individual elements, the training can be changed discretionarily or rendered more difficult, so that a constant increase of performance is made possible by training on the device, unlike on conventional training devices.

Within fractions of seconds, the users must locate the rapidly moving response targets and decide which they would like to hit and in which manner this should be done, or they must try to avoid the moving training elements. They react, among other things, on ground of their reflexes, i.e. spontaneously and instinctively, which leads to increased performance in this area; at the same time, however, they act purposefully, by proceeding strategically and deciding which ball they would like to hit and which maneuver would be appropriate for hitting it, without being hit by other response targets in motion. This simultaneous activation of the reflex capacity, of the deliberate decision (strategy) and of other capacities in face of a completely unknown situation is an important element in the training with the present invention, because only in this manner reflexes and response capacity, as well as other qualities, can be trained.

Apart from the aforementioned features, the present invention offers a training device by which all kinds of blows and combinations, e.g. in boxing, and kicks in other sport are possible continuously.

However, as previously mentioned, in everyday life it is also extremely important to train reflexes, accuracy of movement, reaction rate and suchlike, as there are numerous situations in everyday life in which these capacities are essential. By training on the present device, the response time, for instance, is dramatically shortened, so that reaction in traffic is significantly faster.

After every hit (or other application of force), every ball (response target and counterweight) of every individual element is set in a constantly and independently changing and unpredictable motion. In other words, after the first blow already, the response target hit (and consequently the entire system) does not simply swings forwards and backwards, but rather, in an alternate and autonomous manner, it carries out a loop movement, in the next moment jumps to the side or up and down, then rotates in all directions or makes zigzag movements, etc. Thus, the user can be truly designated as a responder, which is not the case in conventional devices, because there they must determine and maintain the movement themselves and the training is more or less limited to this. With the present invention, the user is able to develop the aforementioned skills in an optimal manner.

The present invention consists in a training device in the form of a partially closed system that, after application of external force, is capable of generating independently, for a relatively long time, irregular, chaotic and thus unforeseeable or unpredictable movements of training elements to which the user reacts. Consequently, this invention is the sole training device to meet the requirements of truly irregular and chaotic movement. By the presence of several training elements set in irregular motion (individual elements with response targets and counterweights), with variable position and occupying the space in a “tridimensional” manner, a situation is created in which the user must, like in a sparring situation, resort to different capabilities simultaneously. The invention is built so as to present high sensitivity to changes in the initial conditions, whereby the chaotic behavior of the training element is enhanced even more. This means that after each blow or application of force (initial situation), the entire system reacts in a different manner and every change, no matter how small (e.g. tension and angle of the suspension cord), leads to other changes (type and sequence of the movements, duration, speed, etc.). Therefore, unlike with the conventional devices, the user cannot become accustomed to a specific situation, but must react spontaneously and rapidly every time, whereby different capacities of the user are addressed simultaneously. This permits permanent development of the aforementioned skills.

In order to achieve complex training for the development of the aforementioned skills, the present invention, in most of the configurations described hereunder, possesses at least three individual elements. The latter are equipped with response targets in the form of small balls and with counterweights, which also consist of small balls, whose size, weight and nature correspond to the reaction targets. In a number of configurations, the response targets and the counterweights are different from one another from the point of view of size, material and weight. For example, the individual elements are attached, by means of a carrier element that is suspended from the ceiling and that is freely movable. The individual elements can be removed from the carrier element easily and can also be used separately for “irregular” training, because, if they possess one or more counterweights, they can generate irregular and chaotic motion, which, however, does not match the entire system consisting of several individual elements from the point of view of the complexity. In the entire system consisting of several individual elements, the chaotic and unpredictable effect possesses additional dimensions and aspects. For example, the radius of the movement of the response targets is greater due to the rotation of the carrier element, and the sequence of the different movements takes place more frequently and more abruptly. Moreover, due to the movement of the carrier element in all the directions, i.e. up and down too, a corresponding movement of the response target takes place. At the same time, the complete unit permits further training aims, such as use of the peripheral field of vision, coordination of legs and upper body, maneuvering in a tridimensional manner, i.e. in a manner similar to the real bout or sparring situation (in boxing, for instance), as the users are confronted with a multitude of moving response targets and can exercise attack and defense simultaneously, whether with their own body or with a training object (e.g. in case of fencing or Kendo, etc.).

The irregular and chaotic, hence unpredictable movement of the reaction targets (and of the counterweights) in the individual element is generated, in principle, by the fact that, apart from the response target or response targets, an additional weight or weights is attached below (or above or both below and above), which, by the application of forces to the response target, starts moving by itself due to the connecting elastic cord and whose motive force acts on the upper ball, influencing or deflecting its movement, thus representing a permanent and mutual countermovement. The trials with prototypes have shown that the position of the counterweight at a distance of 30-40 cm between floor and counterweight, i.e. a great distance between response target and counterweight and between response target and carrier element yielded good results. However, this is not obligatory, as the irregular effect results from other configurations too, for example when the counterweight is attached above the response target or when the distance to the floor is greater or smaller. Nevertheless, the distance should not be too small, because this would cause absolutely no effect or inappropriate effect. According to the desired effect, the user can change the position of the response target(s) and of the counterweight(s).

In principle, the permanent mutual effect of the objects, i.e. of the movement of the response target and counterweight, generates their irregular and chaotic motion. Thin elastic cords made of 65% elastodiene and 35% polyester, with a thickness of 1.5 mm, have yielded good results in prototypes of the present invention. However, other materials and dimensions can be used too, as long as the sensitivity of the system with regard to the initial conditions is not impaired.

The reaction target and the counterweight influence one another permanently and even without application of external force, so that their movement is lasting. If the height of the lower ball or weight is changed in relation to the upper ball, this affects the movement (e.g. movement radius) of the upper ball. Similarly, a change in the angle of the elastic cord in relation to the solder, achieved by changing the position of the floor weight, affects the movement. In order to obtain the highest possible irregularity, the device must be adjusted so that there is high sensitivity with regard to the initial conditions, i.e. to the application of force by the user. This can be achieved not only by the construction modality, but also by the use of thin, elastic cords with an adequate size and weight and made of an adequate material, which react sensitively and strongly to application of force from outside, e.g. of a blow. Moreover, the initial conditions also depend of the tension of the cord, which, like the other factors, is adjustable. The ball hit rotates occasionally around its own axis, which in addition to the other motive forces generated, causes further chaos and unpredictability within the system.

After application of force on a reaction target and after the own movement thus generated, the carrier element, which, thanks to the suspension with elastic cords, is freely movable in all the direction, i.e. also up and down, exercises force on the individual elements and also influences upon their movement. As soon as the individual elements are set in motion, they already have an irregular movement, which, in turn, affects constantly the movement of the carrier elements and of all the other individual elements, which is also irregular. Thus, on the one hand, all the individual elements as well as the carrier element have irregular movements that influence upon one another and that are increased as soon force is applied to the system in any manner whatsoever. Additional movements of the balls, e.g. from the top downwards, are thus made possible.

In several configurations described hereunder, the present invention is without counterweight or counterweights on the individual element. In such a case, the other individual elements act as sole counterweights and generate the countermotion necessary for the irregular motion.

The tension of the rubber cords, together with as the distances from one ball to another and from the balls to the carrier element, affects the type of the movement and can be easily adjusted, for each element individually, for the weight on the floor and for the height of the balls. For instance, the radius of the irregular movement is smaller if the distance between the balls of an individual element is decreased. Similarly, the angle between the rubber cords to the solder can be adjusted by positioning of the floor weights, which also affects the movement of the balls. The prototype trials have shown that good results are obtained when the elastic cords of the individual elements are lightly taut (rather than too taut) and angled, i.e. not perpendicularly on the solder. Cords that are too taut have a negative effect. Apart from the positive effect of the inclination of the individual elements in relation to the movement of the response targets, the knotting of the individual elements is also present, in case that the cords are insufficiently taut, in order, for instance, to achieve lower velocity in the response targets. Thus, the users have the possibility of very easy and entirely flexible adjustment of the training device to their training requirements, a fact that represents a further advantage as compared to the conventional training devices.

The carrier element shall be made of a light material, e.g. aluminum. It can have a triangular for. Other forms and materials are possible too, if adequate. In a preferred configuration, elastic cords, e.g. from the same material as the cords of the individual elements, lead from the corners, respectively corners and sides of the triangle, to the center of the triangle, where they meet, and are affixed to a spring hook or suchlike, which is attached to a ceiling hook, so that the suspended construction, including the carrier element, can move freely in all the directions. In case that the ceiling is too high, an additional rubber cord or suchlike, with the desired length, can be attached to the ceiling, the carrier element being affixed to the lower extremity of this cord by means of a spring hook or suchlike.

In some configuration, at the corners, respectively corners and sides of the triangle, there are suspension points to which the individual elements are attached, e.g. by means of small spring hooks. Similarly, on the intermediate elements that exist in some configurations and that are suspended from the carrier element, several points of suspension may be present, so that, in such a case too, several individual elements can be suspended, e.g. with small spring hooks. If a cord of the individual element breaks, it can be replaced in this manner without any problem. This represents a further advantage, in addition to other advantages, as compared to a configuration in which the individual elements are connected in a fixed manner and are not removable or replaceable.

The material of the carrier element, as well as its shape and size, is possible in many variants, as long as the sensitivity of the system remains unimpaired. A light material, e.g. aluminum or a thin wire, has the advantage that that the force and every movement of the individual elements can be propagated satisfactorily. It should be fixed, but is may also be flexible to a certain extent, so that it can swing slightly by application of force. The triangular form is an advantage inasmuch as the position of the individual elements simulates the position of a human opponent. Moreover, the size, the shape and the material of the response targets and counterweights as also variable to a certain extent and depend, among other things, on the degree of difficulty of the training and the degree of advancement of the user. The response targets and the counterweights can be made, for example, from the following materials: rubber (e.g. ball with a diameter of 4 cm), foam (e.g. ball with a diameter of 7 cm), leather etc. Other materials and sizes can be used in accordance with the training aim and with the degree of difficulty, whereby the sensitive conditions of the system should always be maintained. For example, a leather ball with a diameter of 30 cm suspended on an elastic cord with the thickness of 1.5 mm would not serve its purpose. The same is true for the thickness of the cord. Here too, limits are set. Beyond certain dimensions and weights, the irregular effect is no longer generated. Preferably, thin elastic cords as described hereunder and corresponding small response targets shall be used, as they yield the best results. The material, the form and the weight of the response targets and of the counterweights need not be identical. However, the weight difference must not be too great, because otherwise the mutual application of force would be impaired or would no longer lie within an observable range. The weight of the response targets and of the counterweights shall take into account the sensitivity of the system. In most prototypes, small rubber balls with hollow inside (diameter 4 cm, weight approx. 25 g; comparable with squash balls) with the same size and made from the same material were used as response targets, yielding very good results. Apart from the positive effect regarding irregularity, the training of the aforementioned skills is better with such rather small objects, because they are more difficult to hit. In the configurations described hereunder, in which, for example, one response target and one counterweight each are present below and above the response target, the response target can be moved, from the point of view of the weight distribution, towards the lower counterweight and put the upper counterweight in the place of the reaction target. In such a case, there are two counterweights below the response target. Similarly, other configurations can be achieved, so as to influence, for instance, the velocity, the radius of the movements in the maneuvering area. The thickness and the material of the elastic cords must be in accordance with the size or the weight of the response targets and counterweights, so that the sensitivity and the irregular effect are not impaired.

In most of the configurations described hereunder, the elastic cord (or rubber cord etc.) is inserted through small holes into the balls, so that the height is easily adjustable by the users at a later date. This has the added effect that the ball occasionally rotates around its own axis and increases the rotation energy in addition to the irregular effect. Although the balls withstand the friction, they can be affixed easily by means of a knot above and below the ball or by means of rubber clamps, knotted bands, cord stoppers, etc.

Moreover, it is possible for several persons to train simultaneously on the present invention. Due to the easy disassembly of the device into individual elements as well as to the adding of further individual elements, the training can be varied, rendered more difficult and completed. Instead of training on the total construction with three individual elements, one individual element can be removed easily and suspended from the ceiling separately, for training on this element alone. Thus, training is also possible away from home or when travelling. Similarly, further elements are added to the total construction, so that the training is rendered more difficult.

The invention can serve not only as a training device, but also as an instrument for the demonstration of chaotic processes in physics or mathematics.

The invention can be carried out in different configurations. Some of these examples of configurations are explained hereunder by means of several drawings. The listed as well the not listed, but possible combinations and variants of configurations are based on the aforementioned principle of the invention. High sensitivity to the initial conditions, I other words to the application of forces, is guaranteed by the choice of the materials from which the elements are made, as well as by their size and weight. This, in connection with the presence of counterforces or countermotions to the response targets and of at least one carrier element with adequate suspension construction, as well as the mobility and the adjustability of the system, which is permanently under tension, leads to the desired results. In case of the individual element, the countermotion(s) is achieved by the counterweight(s) on the same cord, whereas in the whole construction it is generated by the counterweights of one of the individual elements as well as by the movements of the other individual elements, i.e. by the response targets and the counterweights thereof, or, in some examples without counterweights on the individual cords, solely by the reaction targets of the other individual elements. In case of the demountable configurations equipped with counterweight(s), the individual element can be used separately for irregular training, because it is also capable of generating chaotic movements of the response targets, even though the movement is less complex than in the complete unit. In case of the complete unit configurations without counterweights on the individual elements, where solely the reaction targets on the individual elements generate the counterforces and the countermotions, the individual elements can be disassembled in the same manner and used for separate training. However, in such a case no irregular effect is generated, as there is no counterweight and therefore no countermotion.

The individual adjustability of the configurations by change of the position of the floor weights, of the tension of the elastic cords, of the possibility of adding or removing of individual elements, of the height of the response targets etc., serves, inter alia, for the adjustment of the training to the individual requirements of the user with regard to size, degree of advancement, etc., as these changes also result in the change of degree and type of irregularity. In this manner, the user has the possibility to use the present invention as necessary and to vary it constantly, in order to vary and to intensify the training.

The configurations listed and described herein are examples; other configuration possibilities, combinations and materials are possible by maintaining the principle factors. The configurations described in the drawings in FIGS. 1 to 23 shall be described in detail hereunder.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration of the invention with three individual elements (1), affixed to a carrier element (3) by means of intermediate elements (2). The carrier element is affixed to a suspension element (4), attach by means of a hook (5) (e.g. spring hook to an adequate suspension appliance, for example on the ceiling. Thus, the invention can move freely in all the directions and reacts with outmost sensitivity to the application of external force.

The individual element in this configuration example is built as follows: on the floor there is a freely movable weight (e.g. 0.5 kg, preferably coated with rubber or suchlike), provided in its center with a bridge around which the elastic cord (6) of the individual element is wound and finally fixed into position with a small hook (14), which is firmly connected to one extremity of the cord. In this manner, it is guaranteed that the tension of the cord can be adjusted by further winding around the bridge. Alternatively, the cord is firmly connected with the bridge, which can be turned by means of a crank (16) positioned on the side of the weight, by which manner the length or the tension of the cord can be adjusted. The counterweight (8), which generates the countermotion to the response target (7), is situated in this configuration example at of 30-40 cm distance from the floor weight or height from the floor, whereas the response target is situated above the counterweight and within blow height of the user, e.g. at eye level. In prototype trials of the invention, good results were obtained when a cord with the length of 150 to 200 cm reaches in taut state a length between 200 and 250 cm. These, however, are merely values for exemplification. The tension can be adjusted in accordance with the training requirements. In the present example, the distance between the response target and the suspension on the carrier element is between approx. 80 and 100 cm. The distance of the reaction target from the suspension on the carrier element can vary, but should not be too small. The lateral length of the carrier element is of approx. 55 cm. The elastic cord consisted in the prototypes from an elastodiene part of 65% and from a polyester part of 35% and had a thickness of 1.5 mm. Other compositions and materials are possible, as long as the high elasticity and thus the sensitivity to application of external force is guaranteed. In this configuration example, balls with a diameter of approx. 4 cm, with a weight of approx. 25 g, made of rubber and hollow inside (similarly to squash balls) were used as response target and counter weight, and yielded good results. Alternatives from the point of view of the material and of the size are possible, as long as they do not hinder the irregular movement and are in accordance with the elastic cord and with the other elements with regard to weight etc. In this configuration example, the rubber balls are provided on the upper and on the lower part with a small hole, through which the cord is inserted. As the cord is pushed through the rubber material of the ball upon manufacturing, the ball does not slip downwards and can nevertheless be moved easily up and down by the user. Alternatively, below or above and below the ball, cord stoppers (10) can be used, which, while preventing the possible slipping of the ball, nonetheless guarantee the adjustability of its height by pressing on the cord stopper, whereby the cord is released again. Alternatively, rubber band or suchlike can be knotted below and above the balls and can also be untied for adjustment. Also imaginable is a configuration in which the cord does not pass through the ball, but in which the balls are equipped, upside and downside, with small hooks through which cords are affixed upside and downside. This configuration would, however, have the disadvantage that the height of the response targets and the counterweights can no longer be adjusted easily. Cord (6) is provided at its upper extremity with a small spring hook, preferably made of synthetic material or with rubber coating or suchlike. In the present configuration variant, the cord is affixed by means of the hook on a dedicated point on intermediate element (2). The intermediate element serves, inter alia, for the affixing of several individual elements to the carrier element, as shall be detailed in the configuration examples hereunder, in order to render the training more intense or more difficult. For this purpose, the intermediate element is foreseen with several places where the individual elements can be affixed, e.g. by means of a small spring hook, and removed again. The intermediate element with the individual element(s) is also suspended, by means of a small spring hook, from the suspension points (11) on the carrier element (3), and can be removed from it together with the individual element, in order to complete training on one or several individual elements without carrier element, for example when traveling. In the present configuration example, the carrier element has the form of a triangle and is provided with six suspension points for individual elements, of which three, namely in the corners, are allocated. Other forms of carrier elements are possible, some of which shall be presented hereunder. The carrier element, as well as the intermediate elements, should be made from a light material, so as to guarantee sensitivity upon force propagation and thus the irregularity of the movement of the balls. It can be coated with a material such as rubber. In prototypes of the present configuration examples, the carrier element had the form of a triangle with side lengths of 50 to 55 cm. However, other dimensions are possible.

In the present configuration example, the carrier element is connected with a suspension element (4) (either fixed or mobile), which consists here from elastic cords of the same type as the cords of the individual elements, converging from the corners and from the centers of the sides of the carrier element, in a slightly taut state, in the center, where they are affixed to the ceiling by means of a suspension spring hook. This kind of suspension guarantees that the carrier element is mobile and, in particular, that it reacts with sensitivity to the propagation of force by the individual elements, which is important for the momentum propagation and the irregular effect of the response targets. Other suspension constructions can be imagined, as long as they do not affect negatively the movement of the response targets. Several alternatives to the suspension element presented in FIG. 1 shall be presented in the following figures.

The elastic cords (6) of the individual elements are especially long and can be adjusted as described above, so that the invention can also be suspended from high ceilings. The tension of the cords can be adjusted easily on the floor weight, in accordance with the desired effect. This has the great advantage that, apart from the other adjustment modalities, the scope and the type of the irregular movement, as well as the velocity of the response targets can be influenced to a certain extent by the adjustability of the height of response targets and counterweights.

By its construction modality, the invention is under permanent tension and reacts very strongly to the smallest application of force, which results in a particularly high content of irregular, chaotic motion. In the present examples, the position of the floor weights is such that the position of the elements is not perpendicular, but rather inclined, which, in the prototypes, had a positive effect on the chaotic, irregular movement.

An alternative configuration is carried out without the intermediate elements (2), the individual elements being suspended directly from the carrier element (3).

FIG. 2 presents a configuration in which the carrier element has another form. The carrier element is equipped with several arms that can be built rigidly or flexibly. This has an additional effect on the momentum propagation and thereby on the mobility of the response targets and counterweights.

FIG. 3 shows another configuration variant, in which the individual elements are attached to elastic cords stretched crosswise on the carrier element, which presents fork-shaped extensions.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration presenting in its center a fourth individual element.

FIG. 5 shows configurations in which the response targets (7) and the counterweights (8) have differential sizes and weights, by which the momentum propagation is influenced.

FIG. 6 shows configurations in which 2 individual elements (1) are attached to each of the intermediate elements (2).

FIG. 7 shows configurations possessing an additional counterweight (8) above the response target (7), which can also be used as second reaction target. Further combinations of this kind can be installed on the individual elements in this and in other configurations.

FIG. 8 shows a close-up view of the response target or counterweight (7 or 8) with cord stoppers (10) laterally.

FIG. 9 shows a view of floor weight (9), in which the elastic cord (6) is wound around bridge 15 and is held in position by a hook (14). This is a configuration of the floor weight with crank (16), with which the length of the cord can be adjusted, as an alternative to manual unwinding.

FIG. 10 shows a configuration without counterweights on the individual elements, in which only the individual elements, i.e. the reaction targets, act themselves as counterweights and generate the required countermotion.

FIG. 11 shows a variant in which a lower carrier element (17) is attached to the floor weight by means of several holder cords (6). This creates a difference in the movement of the lower carrier element and in the momentum propagation with the upper carrier element (3).

FIG. 12 shows a variant in which a lower carrier element (22) is equipped with flexible arms, which has a special effect on the irregular behavior of the response targets or response targets and counterweights. Alternatively, it is equipped with a fixed or flexible pedestal, which ensures an alternative kind of momentum propagation in the lower carrier element. In this variant, the momentum propagation takes place in the lower and in the upper carrier element, by which both the degree and the type of the irregularity are modified. However, it should be determined that flexible elements can be arrayed in great variability both on the lower and on the upper carrier element.

FIG. 13 shows a variant in which pedestal (18) is connected with the floor weight by means of a spherical element (24), and is thus mobile. Similarly, the lower carrier element (17) is connected with the pedestal by means of a spherical element and is mobile. This increases the mobility of the lower carrier element, which leads to an increase in sensitivity to momentum propagation. A variant is foreseen in which each the individual arms of the lower carrier element is mobile by means of a spherical element (24). No momentum propagation takes place in the lower carrier element, but the movement of the individual arms of the lower carrier element affects the movement of the holder cords and of the response targets.

FIG. 14 shows a variant in which the pedestal has a spherical lower end and is firmly connected with the lower carrier element, whereby, after application of force on a response target, the lower carrier element and the pedestal move, causing momentum propagation.

FIG. 15 shows a variant in which an upper and a lower carrier element are equipped with telescope arms, whereby the angle and the distance of the holder cords from one another can be modified, for instance when several persons would like to use the training device. In addition, the tension of the holder cords can be modified by the telescopic design of pedestal (20).

This telescopic design can be attached to a multitude of constructive elements to the upper as well as to the lower carrier and affixing elements.

FIG. 16 shows a variant in which holder cords (6) of the individual elements converge in the lower part and are affixed to a floor weight (9). The distances between the holder cords and consequently between the response targets are adjustable in this variant thanks to the telescopic design of the upper carrier element (26). This permits the user to select between training with smaller and larger field of vision. Another variant would consist, for instance, in the use of the upper carrier element without carrier arms with telescopic design.

FIG. 17 shows a variant with a lower carrier element (17), in which the momentum propagation takes place in the upper carrier element (3) and in the lower carrier element (17). The affixing of the lower carrier element to the floor weight takes place optimally by means of elastic holder cords (6), but can take place, in this and in other examples, by means of non-elastic holder cords, whereby the mobility of the lower carrier element would be limited. When using non-elastic holder cords, the movement of the carrier element after application of force would take place in a stronger manner in the horizontal plane, thus being rather a movement around the own axis. The same is true for variant in which the upper carrier element is attached to the ceiling by means of holder cords and hooks. In this case too, both elastic and non-elastic holder cords can be used for the suspension of the carrier elements.

The upper carrier element (3) is attached in this case to a vertical suspension built flexibly or elastically, the arms of this configuration being positioned on a spherical joint.

FIG. 18 is equipped with an immobile carrier element and with an immobile floor element (29) with telescopic arms. In this variant, no momentum propagation to the response targets takes place. The training concentrates in this case on the development of skills such as extension of the field of vision, velocity, etc. The position of the floor element on the floor can be modified in this and in other examples. In general, depending on the type of mobility of the carrier element, a somewhat different momentum propagation, and thereby different movement of the response targets or of the response targets and counterweights result.

In FIG. 19, the floor element is equipped with and element (30), whereby the arms of the floor element can be adjusted from the point of view of their angles in the horizontal plane. Thus, the users are able to adjust the distance of the individual response targets from their own person and from one another.

FIG. 20 shows a variant in which the floor element is equipped with a sphere (24) positioned on the floor), whereby the floor element is mobile and momentum propagation takes place.

FIG. 21 shows a variant in which the carrier element (37) consists in the upper extremities of the holder cords (6), which are connected together to a carried body, whereby momentum propagation takes place. Another configuration of this variant is possible, in which the carrier body does not consist in the upper extremities of the holder cords, but rather forms a separate unit to which the holder cords are attached. The advantage of this variant consists in the fact that several such training units can be connected together, so that several persons are able to train. The individual units can be attached by means of hook (5) to an upper carrier element.

FIG. 22 shows a variant in which the individual holder cords are connected together by means of a holder cord or several holder cords (38) (elastically or not elastically). The connecting holder cords (38) can be equipped or not with response targets. This variant has the advantage that momentum coupling takes place in completion to the momentum coupling of the carrier element(s) or without other momentum coupling. Moreover, on the response targets, which is attached to the connecting holder cords (38), the training spectrum can be extended.

Finally, FIG. 23 shows an example in which one or more training device are connected with momentum coupling, over a carrier element (3), so that several persons can train together, which leads to a stronger momentum propagation and thus to a higher degree of irregularity of the response targets. A connection of this kind or a similar connection of several training devices is possible, in principle, in all the configurations presented.

REFERENCE LIST

-   -   1. Individual element     -   2. Intermediate element     -   3. Carrier element     -   4. Suspension element     -   5. Hook     -   6. Elastic cord or rubber cable or rubber band     -   7. Response target     -   8. Counterweight     -   9. Floor weight     -   10. Cord stopper     -   11. Suspension points     -   16. Crank     -   17. Lower carrier element     -   18. Pedestal     -   19. Lower carrier element with extendible telescopic arms     -   20. Extendible pedestal     -   21. Flexible pedestal     -   22. Lower carrier element with flexible arms     -   24. Mobile spherical element     -   25. Pedestal with spherical (oval or round etc.) lower end     -   26. Carrier element with extendible telescopic arms     -   30. Element for the adjustment of the arms of the floor element     -   32. Floor element     -   37. Carrier element/carrier body, consisting of the upper         extremities of the holder cord, which are connected together         with the carrier body. 

1. Training device for the development of the response capacity, of the reflexes, of the speed and of other sport-related physical and cognitive capacities of a user, comprising, minimum one response target (7) disposed on minimum one elastic holder cord (6), whereby this elastic holder cord (6) is disposed, in a taut manner, between minimum one attachment point above the training area of the user and a floor attachment, Characterized by the fact that Minimum two holder cords (6), situated at a distance from one another, with response targets (7) disposed thereon, are connected by momentum coupling.
 2. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 1, Characterized by the fact that The two holder cords (6), situated at a distance from one another, with response targets (7) disposed thereon, are connected by momentum coupling over a joint carrier element (3), Whereby the elastic holder cords (6) are stretched between this joint carrier element (3) and the respective floor or ceiling attachments or with at least one further carrier element.
 3. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2, Characterized by the fact that The carrier element (3) presents at least one rigid, elastic or flexible suspension element (4) for the affixing of the carrier element (3) on minimum one upper attachment point, Whereby the mobility of the carrier element (3) is variably adjustable on or through the suspension element (4), Whereby the holder cords (6) attached to the carrier element (3) catch at attachment points situated at a distance from one another, on the carrier element (3).
 4. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2, Characterized by the fact that Between the carrier element (3) and the holder cords (6) are disposed mobile or rigid intermediate elements (2), On each of which at least one holder cord (6) is disposed, Whereby the momentum coupling of the holder cords (6) over the carrier element (3) and the intermediate elements (2) is variable from the point of view of its flexibility.
 5. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 1 Characterized by the fact that Freely movable floor weights (9), to which the holder cords (6) are affixed, are disposed as floor attachment of the holder cords (6).
 6. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 1 Characterized by the fact that In addition to response targets (7), further weight bodies are disposed on the holder cords (6) in such a manner that the latter form a counterweight (8) to the response targets (7), thus permitting the adjustment of the mobility and the momentum coupling of the response targets.
 7. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 6 Characterized by the fact that The response targets (7) and the counterweights (8) are variable from the point of view of their size and weight and are disposed in an adjustable manner on the holder cords (6).
 8. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 1 Characterized by the fact that The response targets (7) are affixed in their upper part to the holder cords (6) in a detachable and adjustable manner by means of adjustable cord stoppers (10), which are disposed, at least, below the response targets (7).
 9. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 1 Characterized by the fact that The constructive elements of the training device are connected in a detachable manner, whereby hook-like compounds may be used.
 10. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2 Characterized by the fact that The carrier element (3) consists of at least one rod-shaped arm, whereby the holder cords (6) catch the holder cord (6) at least at its upper extremity or distributed over the carrier element (3).
 11. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 4 Characterized by the fact that The intermediate elements (2) on the carrier elements (3) are U-shaped.
 12. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 11 Characterized by the fact that Holder cords (6) are disposed on both extremities of the U-shaped intermediate elements (2).
 13. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 4 Characterized by the fact that The holder cords 6 are disposed in such a manner that they catch at other attachment bands disposed between the intermediate elements (2).
 14. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2 Characterized by the fact that An additional holder cord (6) is stretched between the attachment point of the carrier element (3) and the floor attachment, directly and without involvement of the carrier element (3), so that over of the carrier element (3) no impulse coupling with the other holder cords (6) takes place.
 15. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 10 Characterized by the fact that The rod-like arm is formed by the upper extremities of the holder cord 6, which are connected together with the carrier body.
 16. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 1 Characterized by the fact that The holder cords (6), which are distanced from one another and which run vertically, with response targets (7) disposed thereon, are connected with momentum coupling over other, horizontally running holder bands (38), which connects the holder cords (6) with or without response targets (7) disposed thereon.
 17. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2 Characterized by the fact that The carrier element (32) is positioned on the floor by means of at least one support surface or one support point, which results in the mobility of the carrier element (32) and thus in momentum propagation of the holder cords (6).
 18. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 17 Characterized by the fact that The support surface or the support point of the carrier element (3) has a spherical or hemispherical form.
 19. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 1 Characterized by the fact that Spherical joints (24) are disposed in one or between several constructive elements of the training device, causing or enhancing momentum propagation.
 20. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2 Characterized by the fact that The carrier element (3) or the carrier elements (3) are disposed on the upper and/or lower part of the training device and can be combined with one another.
 21. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2 Characterized by the fact that The carrier arms and other constructive elements have a telescopic design.
 22. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2 Characterized by the fact that The carrier arms and other constructive elements have an elastic and/or flexible design.
 23. Training device for the development of the response capacity in accordance with claim 2 Characterized by the fact that The carrier element (3) or the carrier elements (3, 32) are disposed on the upper and/or lower part directly on the ceiling and/or on the floor. 